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Septic System Programs Publications

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Activity Update: Funding Decentralized Wastewater Systems Using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Fact sheet that describes the Clean Water State Revolving Fund low-interest loan program. It includes information on who may qualify, how to get a project funded, and how the recipient can repay the loan (EPA 832-F-03-003).
Document Type: Funding and Additional Resources
Date Published: 01/01/2003
Alert for RV, Boat and Mobile Home Owners and Park Operators about Safe Wastewater Disposal
This provides helpful information on potential dangers of chemical additives such as holding tank deodorizers (EPA 909-F-99-002).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 07/09/1999
Biosolids and Residuals Management Fact Sheet: Odor Control in Biosolids Management
Fact sheet that provides information on ways to control the odors that can come from biosolid production facilities, as well as from storage, distribution and land application of biosolid products. Discusses alternative systems for removal of odors, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, performance, design criteria, applicability and costs of such varied odor limination or reduction systems as biofilters, activated sludge basins, wet chemical scrubbers, and use of neutralizing and oxidizing agents (EPA 832-F-00-067).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Cleaning Up Polluted Runoff with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Fact sheet that provides an overview on financing runoff-related projects with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). It explains how the SRFs work and provides some brief examples of the kinds of projects that different states have funded (EPA 832-F-03-004).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 03/01/2003
Decentralized Approaches to Wastewater Treatment
This presentation on EPA's programs is designed to encourage and support septic system agement.
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 01/01/2003
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Aerobic Treatment
Fact sheet that describes aerobic wastewater treatment systems and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-00-031).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Evapotranspiration
Fact sheet that describes evapotranspiration wastewater treatment systems and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-00-033).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Low-Pressure Pipe Systems
Fact sheet that describes low-pressure pipe systems for wastewater treatment and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-99-076).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Mound Systems
Fact sheet that describes mound systems for wastewater treatment and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-99-074).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septage Treatment/Disposal
Fact sheet that describes septage treatment and disposal and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-99-068).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic System Tanks
Fact sheet that describes the septic system tank as part of a wastewater treatment system and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-00-040).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic Tank Effluent Screens
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2003
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic Tank Leaching Chamber
Fact sheet that describes septic tank leaching chambers for wastewater treatment and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-00-044).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic Tank Systems for Large Flow Application
Fact sheet that describes septic tank systems for large-flow facilities and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-00-079).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
Fact sheet that describes septic system tanks and soil absorption systems and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-99-075).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Small Diameter Gravity Sewer
Fact sheet that describes small-diameter gravity sewers in a wastewater treatment system and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-00-038).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Types of Filters
Fact sheet that describes filters for septic systems. The primary purpose of improving the quality of the effluent from a septic tank system is to provide a cleaner effluent and, in some cases, to address local environmental conditions. Effluent filtering might be necessary because of site constraints, regulations or other limiting factors. Sand filters in various configurations are one of many traditional technologies applied to decentralized systems. These filters are located at the effluent side of the septic tank to remove solids (EPA 832-F-00-034).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Decentralized Treatment Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Control Panels
Fact sheet that describes control panels as part of some wastewater treatment systems and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-02-006).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2002
Decentralized Treatment Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Recirculating Sand Filters
Fact sheet that describes recirculating sand filters for wastewater treatment and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-99-079).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Decentralized Treatment Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic Tank Polishing
Fact sheet that describes septic system tank polishing and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-02-021).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2002
Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems: A Program Strategy
This strategy presents EPA's vision, mission, and actions to improve the performance of decentralized wastewater treatment systems, thereby providing better protection of public health and water resources (EPA 832-R-05-002).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 01/12/2005
Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems
This document provides technical information on onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems. It does not contain standards for those systems, nor does it contain pertinent rules or regulations. The intended audience for this manual includes those involved in the design, construction, operation, maintenance and regulation of wastewater systems (EPA 625-1-80-012).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 10/01/1980
Federal Funding Sources for Small Community Wastewater Systems
Document that highlights 10 federal programs that can help state, tribal and local officials identify possible funding sources. The federal programs described offer financial and technical assistance to help small communities plan, design and build water and wastewater systems.
Document Type: Funding and Additional Resources
Date Published: 11/01/1997
Funding Decentralized Wastewater Systems Using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Fact sheet that describes options for the use of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance installation, repair and upgrading of septic systems (EPA 832-F-03-003).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Getting in Step: A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns
Watershed outreach guidebook that provides some of the tools needed to develop and implement an effective watershed outreach plan. If you're a watershed practitioner trained in the sciences, this manual will help you address public perceptions, promote management activities, and inform or motivate stakeholders. To view this guidebook, visit the Watersheds Web site (EPA 841-B-03-002).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 05/02/2004
Getting in Step: Engaging and Involving Stakeholders in Your Watershed
Stakeholder guide that provides the tools needed to effectively identify, engage and involve stakeholders throughout a watershed to restore and maintain healthy environmental conditions. To view this guidebook, visit the Watersheds Web site (EPA 841-B-03-002).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 05/02/2004
Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
A "how-to guide" for implementing EPA's Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. The guide describes a step-by-step approach for the development of a community management program for decentralized wastewater systems. It includes specific community examples, gives an overview of the elements essential for sound management of these systems, and provides links to extensive resources. (EPA 832-B-05-001)
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 12/01/2005
Homeowner Septic System Checklist
Worksheet that allows homeowners to keep track of septic system inspections and maintenance. This checklist is included in the booklet below or may be used separately (EPA 832-F-03-006).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems
Booklet that describes how a septic system works and what homeowners can do to help their systems treat wastewater effectively (EPA 832-B-02-005).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems - Short Version
Short brochure that describes how a septic system works and what homeowners can do to help their system treat wastewater effectively (EPA 832-B-02-006).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Innovative Use of Clean Water State Revolving Funds for Nonpoint Source Pollution
Fact sheet that explains the creative approaches many states have taken to fund nonpoint source runoff projects using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Innovative uses include using linked deposit and pass-through loans (EPA 832-F-02-004).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 07/01/2002
It's Your Choice: A Guidebook for Local Officials on Small Community Wastewater Management Options
Booklet that describes wastewater management systems for communities serving populations fewer than 10,000 people. Presents options to help address small communities' existing and future wastewater treatment needs and will help educate community officials and other decision makers (EPA 430-9-87-006).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 10/01/1987
Kid's Posters: How Do We Treat Our Wastewater?
Children's poster that fully illustrates how wastewater is generated and treated. A lesson plan for middle school classes is on the back of the poster. A black-and-white version that younger children can color, with a lesson plan for grade school classes on the back, is also available (EPA 832-H-92-002 and EPA 832-H-92-003).

This publication is not available electronically. Order from
U.S. EPA National Service Center for Environmental Publications, PO Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45241; 800-490-9198.
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003


Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
EPA and 14 organizations entered into a MOU to help focus efforts on better planning, design, and long-term operation, maintenance and management of septic systems on a national level. This MOU renews the original 2005 document and adds an additional six organizations who will help communities address key problem areas and improve their onsite wastewater management programs. (signed Nov. 19, 2008)
  • Press release
  • MOU Partners: List of 14 organizations that have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with EPA and lists additional partners
  • Webinar (PDF, 78pp, 5MB) - On November 3, 2008 EPA hosted a web seminar to educate new organizational partners and their members about the MOU and provide an orientation on individual/cluster system technologies and management options.
  • 2008 Progress Report (PDF, 2pp, 450KB)
  • Information on the EPA MOU Partnership and the MOU Partner Organizations - In March, 2008, EPA hosted a webinar for the new and existing partner organizations to provide background information on both the partner groups and the partnership itself. Slides used during the webinar can be accessed via the links below.
    Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
    Date Published: 11/19/2008
Memorandum of Understanding for EPA’s Decentraized Wastewater Program – A Progress Report
This report discusses the activities that have been supported by the MOU Partnership since the partnership’s creation in 2005.
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 03/01/2007
National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urban Areas
Provides guidance to states, territories, authorized tribes and the public regarding management measures that can be used to reduce nonpoint source pollution from urban activities (EPA-841-B-05-004).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 05/01/2005
Not in My Septic System! Magnet
Magnet that septic tank pumpers can distribute to customers. Lists items that homeowners should not dump down the drain and provides a reminder of the next service date.

If you would like to print your own magnets, see Printing a Publication Using a Professional Printer for more information.
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 01/01/2001

Ohio's Restoration Sponsor Program Integrates Point Source and Nonpoint Source Projects
Fact sheet that summarizes how Ohio EPA has used the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to creatively fund runoff projects (EPA 832-F-02-001).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 06/01/2002
One-Stop Shopping in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program
Fact sheet that highlights one-stop shopping initiatives created in many states (EPA 832-F-03-001).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual
This manual was developed to provide supplemental and new information for wastewater treatment professionals in the public and private sectors. It is not intended to replace the previous manual but to further explore and discuss recent developments in treatment technologies, system design and long-term system management. This manual has a more focused approach to onsite wastewater treatment and onsite system management (EPA-625-R-00-008).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 02/01/2002
Response to Congress on Use of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems
This report to Congress examines the feasibility of decentralized treatment as a lower-cost option for the many communities with wastewater treatment needs. EPA's report recognizes lack of management as a major barrier to implementing decentralized systems and concludes that "adequately managed decentralized wastewater systems are a cost-effective and long-term option for meeting public health and water quality goals, particularly in less densely populated areas" (EPA 832-R-97-001b).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 04/01/1997
The Wastewater Information Systems Tool (TWIST)
An off the-shelf, user-friendly management tool that will allow state and local health departments to effectively inventory and manage small wastewater treatment systems in their jurisdictions. It's designed to track information related to homes and facilities served, permits, site evaluations, types of systems, inspections, and complaints. (EPA 832-E-06-001).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 06/01/2006
Tribal Management of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
The document is intended to help tribal nations determine what level of management or tribal regulation will work best to ensure that onsite wastewater treatment systems do not affect public health and protect the environment. (EPA 909-F-04-007)
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 07/01/2004
Understanding the Management Guidelines
This presentation can be used to describe EPA's Guidelines for communities to help them start management programs for septic systems.
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 06/01/2004
Use of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to Implement Security Measures at Publicly-Owned Wastewater Treatment Works
Fact sheet that explains what can be funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to increase security at wastewater treatment plants (EPA 832-F-03-002).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Utility Bill Insert
Colorful 3" x 5" bill insert for use by wastewater and water supply utilities. One side has information for customers that discharge to sanitary sewer systems; the other side is for customers with septic systems (EPA 832-F-03-007).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
Guide that helps communities establish comprehensive management programs to ensure that all septic systems function properly. Proper management of decentralized systems involves implementating of a comprehensive group of elements and activities, such as public education and participation, planning, operation and maintenance, and financial assistance and funding (EPA 832-B-03-001).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 03/01/2003
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Disinfection for Small Systems
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2003
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Free Water Surface Wetlands
Fact sheet that discusses the composition, design goals and use of constructed free water surface wetlands for wastewater treatment. Provides information on advantages and disadvantages, applicability, performance, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-00-024).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: High-Efficiency Toilets
Fact sheet designed to answer questions regarding national water use standards for high-efficiency toilets, offer consumer tips, and discuss issues related to performance, limitations, and costs of the new technologies in this area (EPA 832-F-00-047).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Intermittent Sand Filters
Fact sheet that describes intermittent sand filters as wastewater treatment systems and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-99-067).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Ozone Disinfection
Fact sheet that describes ozone disinfection for wastewater treatment. Provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-99-063).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Package Plants
Fact sheet that describes common types of premanufactured treatment facilities designed for wastewater treatment in small communities or on individual properties. Provides information on the advantages and disadvantages, applicability, performance, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs of each type of facility (EPA 832-F-00-016).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Sewers, Pressure
Fact sheet that discusses advantages and disadvantages, applicability, performance, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs of two main types of pressure sewers systems for use in rural and semirural communities where conventional gravity wastewater collection systems would be costly (EPA 832-F-02-006).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2002
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Ultraviolet Disinfection
Fact sheet that describes ultraviolet disinfection as a wastewater treatment system. Provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-99-064).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Wetlands: Subsurface Flow
Fact sheet that describes subsurface flow wetlands which are specifically designed to treat or polish some types of wastewater and are typically constructed as a bed or channel containing appropriate media. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-00-023).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
Wastewater Treatment Programs Serving Small Communities
Brochure that summarizes all the EPA or EPA-sponsored resources available to small communities to address wastewater issues (EPA 832-R-02-004).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003
Water and Waste Disposal Programs
This United States Department of Agriculture fact sheet that describes the water and wastewater loan and grant program of the Rural Utilities Service (PA 1611).
Document Type: Funding and Additional Resources
Date Published: 01/01/1997
Water Efficiency Technology Fact Sheet: Compositing Toilets
Fact sheet that describes composting toilets and discusses their applicability and advantages and disadvantages. Also available in Spanish (EPA 832-F-99-066).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Water Efficiency Technology Fact Sheet: Incinerating Toilets
Fact sheet that describes incinerating toilets as water-efficient wastewater treatment systems and provides information on technologies, advantages and disadvantages, design criteria, operation and maintenance, and costs (EPA 832-F-99-072).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/1999
Water Efficiency Technology Fact Sheet: Oil Recirculating Toilets
Fact sheet that discusses the advantages and disadvantages, performance, design, operation and maintenance, and costs of toilets that do not require water to operate but instead use mineral oil or other nonaqueous media (EPA 832-F-00-048).
Document Type: Technology Fact Sheets
Date Published: 09/01/2000
What Happens After the Flush?
Colorful reprint from The Family Handyman Magazine that explains how various wastewater systems work by using excellent illustrations. Reprinted with permission from The Family Handman Magazine, 1997 Home Service Publications, Inc., an affiliate of The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., Suite 700, 2915 Commers Drive, Eagan, MN 55121. All rights reserved (EPA 832-B-02-007).
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 01/01/1997
When Is a Septic System Regulated as a Class V Well?
This is a fact sheet intended to help regulators determine which septic systems should be regulated as Class V wells (EPA 816-F-03-002).
Document Type: Guidance, Manuals, Policies and Technical Information
Date Published: 06/01/2003
Your Septic Tank: Properly Maintained?
This short article, written by EPA, describes 10 simple steps that homeowners can take to maintain their septic systems.
Document Type: Education and Outreach
Date Published: 02/01/2003

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Last updated on December 31, 2006 4:42 PM
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